LIMERANCE,, benedict bridgerton

xiv | calm before the storm

"Oh my." Alexandria practically gasped as her and Marianne stepped foot in the Featheringtons home. The ballroom was furnished dramatically, which was not unlike the Featheringtons to be extra.

"This is the first ball i've ever been to that is certainly... unique." Marianne said clearing her throat. In the middle of the ballroom, there was a mini choir playing with people dancing around them.

"I've only been here a mere minute and i'm already overwhelmed." Alexandria said darting her eyes around the room to try find any of the Bridgertons. "Be pleasant, dear." Rosalie cut in. "This is me being pleasant." Alexandria said as Rosalie looked at her in disapproval.

"Am I too overdressed?" Alexandria asked suddenly becoming aware of everyone else and what they were wearing. "Lex, we're in the Featheringtons home you could never be overdressed next to them." Marianne laughed. "You look beautiful sweetheart." Thomas said smiling sweetly.

"Thank you father." Alexandria smiled back. Alexandria was wearing a gorgeous deep red gown with sequins, a colour she never often wore. But she should more often.

Alexandria saw the Bridgertons arrive, she could see Violet trying to make Eloise do something which Eloise was clearly not happy with. "El, care for some refreshments?" Alexandria said to mainly save Eloise from her mother to which Eloise immediately nodded.

"Thank you for saving me!" Eloise exclaimed linking her arm through Alexandria's. "Mother was trying to get me to talk to a man." Eloise said in disgust and Alexandria chuckled.

"Where have you been these past couple weeks?" Alexandria asked , she had called upon Eloise numerous times to only be told she was out.

"I've started to go to the markets more often now!" Eloise said but Alexandria could clearly tell that was a lie based on how quickly Eloise replied and how she flushed bright red.

"Alexandria my darling, a drink for you." Benedict said approaching with a glass of champagne in hand for Alexandria and another for himself. "Thank you, Ben." Alexandria said flushing slightly at the new nickname Benedict had began calling Alexandria without a care.

"You didn't even think to offer me one?" Eloise exclaimed throwing her hands up. "No" Benedict said simply and Eloise groaned and wandered off.

"Was that just an excuse to get Eloise to go away?" Alexandria laughed. "Yes, I have not seen you in forever because you have not called recently." Benedict said. "Ben don't be dramatic it's only been two weeks!" Alexandria said. "Like I said, Forever." Benedict said and Alexandria shook her head.

"Care for a dance, Madam?" Benedict said putting his drink down and offering out a hand to Alexandria. "Yes, sir." Alexandria smiled and placed a gloved hand in his.

Alexandria recognised this piece of music as one of her and Benedict's favourite. It was romantic and classical.

All couples got into position and the music began to vibrate through the room. Benedict had his other arm positioned on Alexandria's back, he pushed his hand gently on her back to bring her even closer to him. By now, they were chest to chest and only looking at each other.

Alexandria never noticed until now how tall Benedict Bridgerton actually was- of course she had took notice to his height but never actually thought about it- he towered over her. She felt safe in his grasp, like no one could hurt her and he'd always be there to protect her.

Alexandria stared up into Benedict's deep blue eyes that looked so inviting. She was sure that she was completely messing up her dancing right now and it probably looked catastrophic, but she didn't care.

"So pretty." Benedict practically whispered. "What?" Alexandria said breathlessly. "Like a story book fairy." Benedict smiled softly and Alexandria cheeks flushed a pink colour she was sure of it.

Alexandria's lips looked so plump and soft which drew Benedict in, he so desperately wanted to kiss her. If Benedict kissed her, there ought to be a scandal seeing as they were not even courting but Benedict couldn't find it in his heart to care what the ton thought. He saw Alexandria's brown eyes dart down to his lips, he was about to bow his head down to meet her lips but that's when the music stopped.

They pulled apart from eachother reluctantly, both of them not wanting to linger a second too long. Alexandria smiled up at Benedict when they moved over to the side of the dance floor.

"Where is everyone?" Alexandria said mainly to break the silence that was hanging between them but also she really was concerned where her friends had gone. "Alexandria we are in a hall full of people." Benedict laughed and Alexandria rolled her eyes.

"Yes I know." Alexandria said. "Eloise, Penelope and Colin are no where to be found."

____
I've finally updated!! I'm sorry for abandoning this story for a couple weeks just had absolutely no motivation to write what so ever. This part is the second last chapter of part 1 then we're onto part 2 which i'm super excited for!! enjoy :)